contain more fibre (36%) than flax seed of nuts which acts as a great prebiotic (feeing your good gut bacteria for a healthier digestive system).

high in iron, calcium (more than most dairy products), zinc (helps promote healthy skin, hair and nails) and antioxidants, and

being gluten free are a great healthy food option for many people.

Chia seeds absorb liquid really well and are great for thickening sauces, substituting for eggs and for creating yummy puddings.

I just love Chia Pudding – I’m not a chocolate lover (gasp I hear!) but adore adding vanilla for either breakfast with berries and nuts or home made nutola or for dessert if I ever have the urge for sweets. Warning – Lauren and Connor ( 21 & 18 mind you) wouldn’t even try it as they said it looked like fish eggs, lol – you can’t win every time.

Basic Chia Pudding recipe:

approx 1 part chia seeds to

4 parts liquid depending on how thick you like it, ie milk or nut milk of your preference (I personally love this with coconut milk)

Mix together and leave in fridge for at least 3 hours, but it’s best to leave at room temp for about 15 minutes for a nice consistancy

You can add vanilla or cacao, cinnamon depending on your taste and even a sweetener like a few medjool dates, honey or stevia, but really I find it is just yummy without any sweetener

Brazil nut milk (selenium rich) Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Serves 4

½ cup Brazil nuts

2 cups water

nut bag or several layers of cheesecloth (optional)

½ cup chia seeds

¼ cup unsweetened cacao powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Blend Brazil nuts in water in a high-speed blender until you get smooth, creamy milk. If desired, strain it with a nut bag or several layers of cheesecloth.

Add Brazil nut milk and other ingredients into a bowl and whisk until combined. Let sit several minutes (or overnight) until desired thickness is reached.

Serve & Enjoy!

For a special dessert treat

Layer a dessert glass with:

vanilla and cinnamon (or chocolate if you prefer) chia pudding made with coconut milk

pinch stevia

1 cup Berries of choice

1 cup Pecans (or your favourite nut)

Top with Shaved coconut…. heaven without the calories, dairy, gluten or guilt!